The new project is a development of Urban Partners LLC of Los Angeles and will occupy 4.5 acres near the new Metro Gold Line stop. Taisei Construction Corp. of Cypress has commenced work on the 347 apartment units and 11,000 sf of retail space at the master-planned development, which will be 15 minutes from Union Station and within walking distance of Old Town Pasadena.

The Gold Line stop is the terminus of the new North-South Metro Gold Line light rail. The developers and builders say public walkways and ground-floor shops will wrap around residential units built over four levels of subterranean parking to accommodate 1,200 cars. Additionally, the on-site historic Santa Fe Depot will be restored to national preservation standards.

The project is being designed by Pasadena-based Moule & Polyzoides, along with Nadel Architects of Los Angeles, with construction management by Kelleer CMS Inc. It is designed as an intricate network of public plazas, with apartments including stacked flats, courtyard units and walk-up lofts. The development will include a community pool, a fitness center, a clubhouse and views of Central Park. Its eight buildings and private courtyards will exhibit Spanish revival, art deco, craftsman and industrial modern architecture. Project completion is planned for October 2004, according to Emery Molnar, vice president of Taisei Construction Corporation.

"Del Mar Station and the adjacent MTA Gold Line create a neighborhood that will appear to have evolved over time as part of the city. Successful coordination with city and county agencies will be a key factor in completing the project in 18 months, Molnar says.